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The Most Common Door Problems in North London Homes (And How We Fix Them)

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  The Most Common Door Problems in North London Homes (And How We Fix Them) Doors are one of the most frequently used features in any home, yet they’re often overlooked until something goes wrong. In North London—where many homes are older Victorian, Edwardian or mid-century builds—door issues are extremely common. Seasonal temperature changes, shifting frames, ageing hardware and natural timber movement can all affect how your doors open, close and function. At  BlueWood Handyman , we repair hundreds of doors each year. As qualified carpenters, we don’t just patch problems temporarily—we diagnose the root cause and fix it properly so your door works smoothly long-term. If your door is sticking, dragging, rattling or refusing to latch, this guide will help you understand why it’s happening and what we can do to repair it. 1. Sticking or Swollen Doors This is  by far  one of the most common door problems in North London. Why it happens Timber is a natural material. It...

The Process of Hanging a New Door: A Step-by-Step Guide

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The Process of Hanging a New Door: A Step-by-Step Guide


The Process of Hanging a New Door: A Step-by-Step Guide

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. I only recommend tools I genuinely use and find helpful.


How BlueWood Handyman Installs Interior & Exterior Timber Doors – Professionally and Neatly

At BlueWood Handyman, we’ve been hanging doors across Barnet and North London for over 30 years. Whether it’s an interior upgrade or a weather-worn front door that needs replacing, we know a thing or two about getting it done right—with minimal disruption and no mess left behind.

In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how we hang a new timber door, step-by-step. If you’re wondering what to expect when we arrive at your home or office, this is it.


🧰 1. Preparation Starts Before We Arrive

Before any tools come out, we start by understanding exactly what you need. Is it a new door for security? Sound insulation? Just something that actually closes without a fight? We'll usually ask for a few photos or a quick video first. That way, we can bring the right tools, hinges, and hardware to suit your frame.


📏 2. Measure Twice, Cut Once (Literally)

Every door frame is a little different—especially in older homes around North London. That’s why we never just “buy and fit.” We carefully measure the height, width, and squareness of the door opening. If the door needs to be trimmed to fit, we’ll mark and cut it precisely using jigs and guides to keep everything neat and accurate.


🪵 3. Trimming and Preparing the New Door

We use professional circular saws with extraction, so dust is kept to a minimum. The door is trimmed (if needed) and edges are planed smooth. If it’s an exterior door, we’ll also seal any cut edges with primer to protect against moisture.

We make sure all cuts are clean, no ragged edges or splinters, and everything is double-checked before installation.


🔩 4. Positioning and Installing the Hinges

Hinges are marked and chiseled by hand (or routed if needed) to the correct depth—this helps the door sit flush in the frame and swing properly. We usually fit three fire-rated brass or steel hinges for extra stability, especially on heavier or external doors.

Once the hinges are fixed to the door, we temporarily position the door in the frame to check alignment.


🛠️ 5. Fitting the Door into the Frame

Here’s where experience really shows. We test the swing of the door, make micro-adjustments if needed, and ensure it opens and closes cleanly. We also check the gaps (what we call the “margins”) around the edges—these need to be even for a proper fit and a good finish.

If the floor slopes, we’ll trim the bottom just enough so it clears smoothly without dragging.


🔐 6. Adding Hardware – Locks, Handles & Latches

Next up, we install the handle, latch, lock, or any other hardware you’ve chosen. Whether it’s a modern lever handle, a night latch, or a mortice lock, we fit it with care. No split timber, no misaligned holes. Everything is tested before we move on.

If it's an external door, we can also fit a door viewer, letterbox, draught excluder, or chain—just ask!


🧼 7. Final Checks and Clean-Up

Once the door is hung and all the hardware is in place, we go through a final checklist:

  • Does it open and close smoothly?

  • Are the gaps even?

  • Is the latch or lock working perfectly?

  • Have we cleaned up?

We tidy the work area, vacuum any dust (we use extractors while working too), and leave the space as clean as we found it—sometimes cleaner!


👍 The Result? A Door That Works (and Looks) Just Right

A professionally fitted door isn’t just about function. It should look good, feel solid, and give you peace of mind—whether it’s your front door or a quiet space to shut the home office away.

At BlueWood Handyman, we hang each door as if it were going in our own home: clean lines, solid fixings, no shortcuts.


📅 Ready for a New Door?

If you’ve got a door that doesn’t shut properly, drags on the floor, or just needs an upgrade, get in touch. We’ll help you choose the right solution and get it fitted—professionally, neatly, and without a fuss.

👉 Book a carpenter or request a quote today
📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more behind-the-scenes tips and video guides.


Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

For more DIY tips and expert advice, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Stay updated with helpful videos on everything from door repairs to home improvement tricks!

We share expert tips for achieving a perfect door fit, ensuring smooth operation and a polished look. Whether it’s due to new flooring, carpet installation, or just general wear and tear, we’ve got you covered. Watch now for all the expert advice you need to make your doors work like new!


Location: London, UK